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Uncovering the science behind the legend of Ka‘au crater’s red spring. Melanie Keliipuleole Melanie Keli‘ipuleole was awarded Honorable Mention for her research on Ka‘au Crater’s Red Spring at the 2013 Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Conference
Uncovering the science behind the legend of Ka‘au crater’s red spring
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INTRODUCTION
In Hawaiian culture there are many mo‘olelo (stories) about waters running red after a battle or a death. Within the Waikiki ahupua‘a (a traditional Hawaiian division of land extending from mountain to sea), there is a mo‘olelo that tells of a spring that runs red due to a great battle between the demi-god Kamapua‘a, and the great roster, Ka‘auhelumoa:
Ka‘auhelumoa’s Spring
My project seeks to identify the biological and/ or chemical factor(s) that may be contributing to the red color of the spring waters. Possible factors that are being investigated include: photosynthetic bacteria or algae, iron levels, tannins, and turbidity. I hope to lend support to the mo‘olelo through science.
MATERIALS & METHODS
Samples were taken in November, January, and March from two different springs in Ka‘au crater, and two waterfalls along the trail leading to the crater. Water
was collected for iron, tannin, and turbidity analysis (by means of a LaMotte spectrophotometer), and oxygen, conductivity, temperature, and pH levels were taken using YSI meters. Plankton tows and macroalgae samples were also collected for examination.
Above, from Left to Right: Tool used for plankton tow, LaMotte meter with Tannin & Iron
reagents, pH meter, and YSI meter (bottom). Below: Map of Collection Sites.
Figure 1. pH levels per site grouped by collection time. Figure 2. Temperature levels per site grouped by collection time. Figure 3.Tannin levels per site grouped by collection time.
Figure 4. Iron levels per site grouped by collec
tion time. Figure 5. Turbidity levels per site grouped by
collection time.
Photo Top Row. Tannin color-metric test by site. Bottom Row. Iron color-metric test by site.
Table 1 Above. YSI measurements per site in January & March.
Photo Below: Collecting YSI measurements at the Dark Spring.
Based on the data collected so far, the iron levels may be the cause of the water turning red. According to the Illinois Department of Health, “as little as 0.3mg/L is enough to turn water a reddish brown color”, and the data shows to have a significant amount of iron; equalling to more than 0.9 mg/L in January, and more than 3.2 mg/L in March.
It is important to note that based on observations, although the iron level was much higher in March, the water color was much more red in January. This discrepancy may have to do with the pH levels. According to Lenntech, iron is more soluble in lower pH levels, which would explain why the water looked less red in March than in January even though it had a much higher iron content. Along with the pH levels, it is also possible that turbidity and tannins played a part in the water color difference. Based on the data March had higher tannin & turbidity levels, which could lead to color changes in the water.
As a significant trend has not yet been found, more studies of this site would be beneficial to my task of unearthing the science behind the mo‘olelo of the red spring.
LITERATURE CITED
“Hawaii State Parks.” Dept. of Land & Natural
Resources, n.d. Web. 3 Jul 2012. <http://www. hawaiistateparks.org> “Measuring Water Quality.” .AECOS Inc., n.d. Web 3 Jul 2012. <http://www.aecos.com/CPIE/watRqual.html>
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project was conducted through Kapi‘olani Community College’s STEM program. Support was lent by STEM faculty, specifically Mackenzie Manning & Mrs. Keolani Noa.
Ka noho ana o ka Lepelepeohina (What is the habitat preference of Lepelepeohina)
By Bradley W. Hughes (Faculty Mentor: Kahelelani Clark, MA)
INTRODUCTION
Vanessa tameamea is one of two species of butterfly that are endemic to Hawaii. Hawaiians originally referred to V. tameamea as “lepelepeohina.” Lepelepeohina was the first butterfly species from Hawaii to be described by western scientists but has long been culturally significant to the Hawaiian people (Gorelick and Wielgus, 1968). The introduction of invasive species to Hawai‘i has led to increased habitat loss for Lepelepeohina . This threat poses a serious problem for the health of Lepelepeohina populations in the wild whose numbers are dwindling. Few studies have focused on the relationship between this species of butterfly and their plant host species. It is for this reason that I chose to investigate the unique interactions between Lepelepeohina and their host species as well as the connection between Hawaiians and these
Koa Sap (Photo credit: http://upload.wikimedia. org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/Koa_sap.JPG.) species. Adult V. tameamea are known to feed on Koa (Acacia koa) sap, but lays its eggs and feeds on Mamaki (Pipturus albidus) as a caterpillar. This study will focus on the habitat preferences and behavioral interaction of Lepelepeohina and various plant species in the Tantalus area on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i.
Hawaiian Perspective on Lepelepeohina
Lepelepeohina is most commonly referred to as the Kamehameha butterfly. In most Hawaiian text it is called Lepelepeohina. In the Kumulipo there is reference in the third era second verse.
Hanau ka Peelua ka makua Puka kana keiki he Pulelehua, lele Born the caterpillar parent; Came his child a butterfly, flew;
The Kolea visits these islands during the winter months. Butterflies are known to frequent Mamaki trees during these months. There is a story that speaks of Lepelepeohina talking to Kolea: “I kekahi kakahiaka, e lele ana keahi lepelepeohina mai kekahi pua a i kekahi, halawai mai la kekahi Kolea…” (Ka Elele Hawaii. Buke 4, Pepa 3, Aoao 9. Iune 22, 1848.22 Iune 1848, HE OLELO NANE KA HAAHEO). Roughly translated, it is a conversation between the two species, and the Lepelepeohina is giving advice to the Kolea. It is possible that this nane hints at an observed codependence that perhaps deeply connects these two species.
Another story speaks of Lepelepeohina visiting a number of different flowering plants other than Koa and Mamaki such as Uala and Aeae:
... ua like no ko lakou ano me ko ka lepelepeohina. Lele aku no lakou ma na pua kowali, a me na pua uala, a me na pua e ae, a hoo aku i ka umiumi iloko o ka pua e omo ai i
Life Cycle of Lepelepeohina
1. Egg. Lepelepeohina eggs are laid underneath the leaves of the Mamaki. (Photo credits: Forest & Kim Starr [Mamaki]; and Li‘ula Mahi, Amy Greenwell Eth2. Caterpillar. Larvae live and feed nocturnally on Mamaki during the caterpillar stage. It has been observed rolling itself up in the leaves of the host species for protection from predators. The caterpillar feeds on Makaki until it is very plump then spins its chrysalis on the under side of a leaf. (Photo credit: Pete Oboyski [caterpillar].) nobotanical Garden [egg]. 3. Chrysalis. The chrysalis is spun in about 24 hours,. This stage lasts an average of 2 weeks. (Photo credit: Li‘ula Mahi, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
[chrysalis].)
4. Butterfly. After spending 7 to 14 days in its chrysalis the Lepelepeohina emerges as a adult butterfly. At this point the Lepelepeohina is vulnerable with its wings still drying and unable to fly. Furthermore this species lives on average between 2-4weeks as a adult. (Photo credits: Bradley Hughes [butterfly]; Koa sap credit, see page 17.)
ka wai momona o na pua.” (KE ALAULA. Buke II, Helu 2, Aoao 5. Mei 1867.1 Mei 1867, KA LEPELEPEOHINA)
The flying between these species may suggest that Lepelepeohina is a possible pollinator whose population numbers could be connected to the seasons in which these flowers bloom.
METHODS
Three proposed observation sites that have host species Mamaki with Koa in close proximity. Sites will be taken from a 1992 Tabashnik et al study done at Tantalus. Sites will be connected with culture significance of ahupuaa. I will Geotag each field site using Global positioning system (GPS) and Geotag each location and overlay onto google earth. Data for the following will be collected to characterize each field site that the Lepelepeohina is found:
Ambient temperature will be measured using iButton temperature loggers. Wind speed–an anemometer will be used to measure the intensity of the wind. Radiation–light meter will be used to determine average sunlight exposure. Soil composition–soil samples will be collected near known and prospective host species. Diversity and density of plants–plants within the field sites will be identified and mapped using Global Information System (GIS). Document species interaction/behavior–digital recordings of Lepelepeohina in its immediate environment to observe behavior.
DISCUSSION
In searching for information about the Vanessa tameamea, I found it referenced as the Lepelepeohina. The name itself I found to be very interesting both historically and culturally. I hope to better understand
Fig. 1. Map of Tantalus area on the island of O‘ahu
this species scientifically and culturally. I hope that we can be more aware of the Lepelepeohina and its status in the wild as this was an area lacking in my initial research. My personal hope is to see this species survive and thrive. Knowledge of the Lepelepeohina can be used as a tool for education of future generations. With the data I collect I hope to use it to create Butterfly garden with the best host species for the Lepelepeohina to live and interact. This garden would be an area of endemic and indigenous flora and fauna. I also hope that this research will be furthered and used as a tool for curriculum at this garden. I am searching for the best possible home for this butterfly and hope to recreate it. There are many questions culturally I would also like to see brought to light about the connection of species. I hope to talk to Kupuna and cultural experts on the species in general, they are the real experts on questions that sometimes cannot be answered.
LITERATURE CITED
Gorelilck, G.A. & R.S. Wielgus. 1968. Notes and observations on the biology and host preferences of Vanessa tamehameha (Nymphalidae). Journ.
Lepidopterists’ Society. Leeper, J.R. 1975. Hawaii’s Kamehameha butterfly.
Insect World Digest. Nov/Dec. 16-18. Riotte, J.C.E. & G.Uchida. 1978. Butterflies of the
Hawaiian Islands according to the stand of late 1976. J.Res.Lepid. 17: 33-39. Tabashnik, B.E., et al. 1992. Population ecology of the Kamehameha butterfly (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 85(3):282- 285.
Williams, F. 1928. The Kamehameha butterfly,
Vanessa tameameha Esch. Proc.Hawaii.Entomol.
Soc. 7(1): 164-169. Zimmerman, E.C. 1958. Insects of Hawaii. Macrolepidoptera. Vol.7: 463-472. U.H. Press, Honolulu.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Aunty Keolani Noa, Nari Okui, Patricia Cockett, Kahelelani Clark, Sheperd Meyers.
